Sustained investment in digital education in NI hailed by international experts

The praise, featured in a first-of-its-kind suite of case studies by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), is a major validation of the ongoing digital revolution in our classrooms.

A national study of NI, titled Sustaining relevant digital inclusive education for young people (5-18 years of age), identified 29 design features critical to NI’s sustained success over 35 years investment by the Department of Education. These include setting a clear long-term purpose, aspiration for young people, ensuring equality of provision, linking strategies closely to curriculum, and supporting teacher professional development.

Two additional IFIP studies focus closely on computational thinking and problem-solving using digital technologies in Groggan Primary School, Randalstown, and St. Malachy’s College Digital Hub in north Belfast. Both schools were recognised at the illustrious schools ICT Excellence Awards for their innovative use of technology to build the pupils transferable computational skills together with their perseverance and collaboration.

The impact means that pupils have improved outcomes and the relevant skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world. The NI approach also gives particular attention to using artificial intelligence to, for example, enable pupils with special educational needs to achieve outcomes not normally accessible.

The Minister of Education for Northern Ireland, Paul Givan MLA, welcomed the studies saying:

“It is a tribute to our commitment of sustained investment in digital technology in schools, and the hard work of our teachers and learners to have been recognised internationally as a leading example of digital inclusive education.

“Digital learning drives innovation in teaching, learning and professional development. As we move forward with education reform, it is my hope that we can build on this success.”

Key policy makers now see other national and regional school systems planning to use the NI model to review and appraise their own approaches to the five IFIP Task Force success factors.

Professor Emeritus, Don Passey, an internationally recognised researcher in technology enhanced learning, who led the studies said:

“Northern Ireland’s sustained commitment to digital, inclusive education is an inspiration for other countries as a model of excellence, both in policy and in classroom practice. The NI approach goes beyond simply using technology; it empowers young people to develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges.”

Through the provision of new and emerging technologies to support schools, the Education Authority’s EdIS (Education Information Solutions) Programme is at the forefront of transforming the educational landscape and facilitating the creation of future learning opportunities. ​

EdIS Director and key informant of the IFIP Task Force, Frances Meehan, said:

“The case studies validate the tremendous work happening within the NI education sector for many decades. The EA’s EdIS Programme is proud to be leading current digital and AI transformation initiatives which are ensuring all our children and young people are being given opportunities for meaningful careers in an increasingly technology-focused world.”

The case study on Northern Ireland is available to read on the IFIP website.

Hear more about the IFIP case studies, and on Northern Ireland’s success in sustaining relevant digital inclusive education, on the EdIS eXchange podcast with Professor Don Passey.